I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Up to a certain point, it is necessary for a man to live his life in the world in which he finds himself, and to make the best of it. But beyond that point, he must create a world of his own. And the greatest thing about life is that it is always giving us the opportunity to create something new. It is never too late to start over, to make a fresh beginning, to blaze a new trail.
Life is short, and we have but a brief time in which to explore, to learn, to experience, and to create. Let us make the most of that time, and let us burn brightly, like meteors across the night sky, leaving behind us a trail of light and inspiration for those who come after us.

​~Jack London

Thoughts
become things.
Choose
the good ones.


-the universe

​“Memory Is A Lonely Observer . . .”


Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?


Dementia raises questions about what are the boundaries of the human, what is required to have meaningful social relationships and more generally what makes life worth living (or no longer worth living) when memories fade.


There may be lessons to learn from those who have found both reasons and ways to maintain relations of friendship after the onset of dementia – lessons that could be shared with others who find themselves confronting similar situations. The friend who remains in a relationship with a friend who has dementia may gain knowledge about the illness and grow in unexpected and insightful ways.


There is a lot we can do to make life better for older adults with dementia. And we ought to do what we can – not only because people with dementia are fellow members of our human community, but also because any one of us might find ourselves affected in the future.


Upon closer scrutiny, there is light in the darkness . . .

“Consciousness” will be raffled for the fundraiser of Gallery Night Providence at Waterfire Art Center ! 
Details below:

“Consciousness” 
31 " x 31"
Photography



"Consciousness is an end in itself. We torture ourselves getting somewhere, and when we get there it is nowhere, for there is nowhere to get to."


~ D. H. Lawrence


The abstract body is object in balance, perfect balance in fact, although contorted, twisted, and/or asymmetric, the body remains the instrument of our hold on the world.

Creating Your Vision Photography Workshop
David Lee Black Studios
The Aloft Providence Hotel
191 Dorrance Street
Providence, Rhode Island
Feb 5, 11-1pm
Meet and greet: 10:30 am
Details:
This uniquely experiential event is in an ongoing series of wonderful workshops. Together we are growing a community of supportive and talented artists of all skill levels who connect through photography and a love of art.
Creating Your Vision involves talented models interacting with the art of a unique space.
For this event, we are thrilled to return to the Aloft Providence Hotel! This innovative, untraditional atmosphere, perfectly placed within the Providence Innovation and Design District along the Providence River has gorgeous light and a funky stylish interior and courtyard. Weather permitting, we will walk across the street to the Michael Van Leeston Pedestrian Bridge with commanding views of the Providence skyline.
"As we approach Black History Month, this February we are going to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and complexity of Black culture. This month is a way to uplift and highlight those in the community not only for the color of their skin but also for the stories and experiences of those in this marginalized group. It is important to remember that February is not the only time where there should be efforts to collaborate with members of the black community to fulfill a quota of bringing "false diversity" to an often-white portfolio. This should be a learning experience for those that are not familiar with collaborating with different skin tones, hair textures, and cultures that occur in the vastly unique communities that fit under the umbrella of blackness. The models and photographers should be able to work together and offer helpful tips and tricks throughout the session. Photographers, please be open and listen to the models' critiques after the photos are taken.
Let's make this workshop an amazing production of rich culture, and expression on Sunday, February 5th from 11 - 1pm with the talented and beautiful models, Destiny Manston, Len Cabral, Sidy Maiga and his son Ira, Melanie Moore, and other special guests!"
~Destiny Manston
Although this is mostly an experiential event, participants will be offered tips on composition, lighting, technical details and creating their own vision in a storytelling way. This event is open to all regardless of ability or camera gear. Even a camera phone is fine.
Free instructional handouts and refreshments are provided.
There will also be plenty of helpful guidance and suggestions to enhance your passion for artful photography.
Feel free to invite your friends, and family or share this invite!
What to bring:
Camera
Your creativity and open mind
Cost: $50 (cash, check, Venmo, Paypal)

HERE IS THE LINK FOR MORE INFO: ​https://fb.me/e/3m8fvy4T5

“Still Pointe”


But once in a while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered,
Once in a while the moon turns blue.


~WH Auden




Ribbons pink and loose, these gifted “dead” pointe shoes from countless ballet photo shoots have long awaited another chance at an artful life. These shoes didn’t come from a pain-free or dreams-come-true life. Handmade, these bits of lace, cardboard and glue made the journey from hours of a paroxysm of perfect twisting, twirling and tiptoeing across the stage, peering down at the dancer’s feet and mistaking their lean mysteries for possibilities in syncopation.


This end of the ballet, an assemblage of memories almost famous, lives on . . . elevated and proud, instead of a gradual sinking to the floor.